Lafayette takes on the first of two opponents from the revamped BIG EAST Conference against Villanova. The Leopards play Seton Hall to close out non-conference play on Dec. 27. Friday’s game is nationally televised on Fox Sports 2.

Lafayette is 64-40 all-time in season openers, including a 22-22 mark in season-opening games on the road. The last time Lafayette opened up on the road, La Salle handed them a 79-53 defeat to open 2011-12.

The Leopards are 20-33 all-time against current BIG EAST conference members.

The all-time winningest coach in Lafayette and Patriot League history and longest-tenured coach in the conference, Fran O’Hanlon (Villanova, ’70) enters his 19th season as the Leopards’ head coach.

Lafayette played in two scrimmages to gear up for the 2013-14 season, a home test against Columbia and a neutral-site match-up with Hartford.

Lafayette was picked to finish second in the Patriot League’s Preseason Poll behind new Patriot League member Boston University. The Terriers were a unanimous pick to finish at the top of the League, while Army was picked third and defending champion Bucknell was fourth.

Senior Jack Detmer and junior Seth Hinrichs will serve as team captains for the 2013-14 season.

Lafayette Athletics, as a partner in the mission of the
College, provides an incredibly effective learning experience for
student-athletes through competitive NCAA Division I athletics. Lafayette
sponsors 23 varsity sports with more than 600 student-athletes.